Events

‘Man of Steel’ dazzles Team Edwards moviegoers

Henry Cavill, star of “Man of Steel” poses with moviegoers at the Lancaster, Calif., Cinemark 22 June 8. Cavill dropped in for a special prescreening of the movie for Edwards Air Force Base personnel who participated in the production of portions of the film early last year on base. Cavill signed autographs and greeted the first 100 people who showed up for the film and spoke to Team Edwards members before the beginning of the films, which were shown in two theaters.

LANCASTER, Calif. — Some lucky Team Edwards members were treated to a free prescreening of Warner Brothers’ “Man of Steel” June 8 at the Lancaster, Calif., Cinemark 22.
Warner Brothers provided 561 tickets to the base, most of which were handed to folks who helped with the production of the movie when scenes were being filmed on base early 2012. The theater provided two showings of the potential blockbuster in separate theaters.
But, even better than seeing a movie before its release, the moviegoers were also treated to a visit from the “Man of Steel” himself – Henry Cavill.
Cavill arrived about an hour beforehand to meet and sign autographs for the first 100 moviegoers who arrived for the showing. They were given wristbands by WB representatives.
For Staff Sgt. Paul Garcia, 412th Operations Group loadmaster, the movie wrapped up a whirlwind Hollywood experience. While portions of the movie were being filmed at Edwards at the beginning of 2012, Garcia was asked by director Zack Snyder to play a small role in the film.
“I play the role of a C-17 Loadmaster, which coincidentally, is what I do in the Air Force. I am in charge of airdropping the ship Superman came in on as a child during an attack by General Zod. I don’t want to spoil too much, so you’re going to have to watch the movie to find out how things go,” said Garcia.

Air Force photograph by Jet Fabara

Henry Cavill signs his autograph on the first Superman video game, presented by 2nd Lt. Seth Martin, from the 772nd Test Squadron. Cavill visited Cinemark 22 June 8 for a special pre-screening of Man of Steel for Edwards AFB personnel who helped film the movie.

“As filming here began, Zack Snyder asked me to do some training with the actress they hired for the role as the loadmaster. I gladly agreed to show her how we operate on the aircraft and speak with the pilots. After the training was completed, the director said he wanted to change things up a bit and asked if I could join the actress on the plane as a secondary loadmaster and for me to perform some background work while she played the role and said the lines. We proceeded to shoot the scene and then we took a break. I got a call a few minutes later from the Air Force Entertainment liaison officer who told me the director had approached her and said he enjoyed how I shot the scene and worked on film and that he was ready to relieve the actress of the role in exchange for me. I honestly thought she was joking, but told her it would absolutely be my pleasure. I was quite surprised and completely in shock by that! It took a few minutes for things to settle in. I just realized this would be a once in a lifetime experience. So that’s pretty much how it went down.

Air Force photograph by Jet Fabara

Left to right: Airmen 1st Class Carlos Colon, Cote Werner and Derek Kramer, from the 412th Operations Support Squadron, pose with Henry Cavill who visited Cinemark 22 June 8 for a special prescreening of Man of Steel for Edwards AFB personnel who helped film the movie early last year.

This was the second time Garcia saw the film, he was invited to view the cast and crew premier June 4.
Garcia was one of the early 100 people to show up and get an autograph and picture taken with Cavill.
After the meet and greet was finished, Cavill went to each theater to greet the Edwards crowd and thank them for their service.
After Cavill departed, the packed houses were treated to the film.
“The event Saturday was truly amazing, especially for us at Edwards!” said Garcia. “To be able to have Henry Cavill come out here and take time from his busy schedule, just to be able to say thanks to the troops and show his gratitude for what we do each and every day as well as being able to take some pictures and autographs was just something you don’t see now a days from movie stars.”
“Man of Steel” premieres in theaters everywhere June 14.

Courtesy photograph

Staff Sgt. Paul Garcia, a loadmaster assigned to the 412th Operations Group at Edwards AFB, poses with “Man of Steel” Henry Cavill during a special prescreening presented by Warner Bros. studios at the Lancaster, Calif., Cinemark 22 June 8. Garcia had a small speaking role in the film, which opens in theaters this weekend. The screening was provided to Edwards AFB personnel who participated in the filming of the potential blockbuster early last year.

Air Force photograph by Kenji Thuloweit

John Nichols, 412th Civil Engineering Division, poses for a photo with the “Man of Steel.”

Air Force photograph by Jet Fabara

Henry Cavill speaks to Edwards AFB moviegoers before the prescreening of “Man of Steel.” The movie was shown in two theaters June 8. The free showing was provided by Warner Bros. in appreciation for the help Edwards AFB provided during the filming of the movie early 2012.

Henry Cavill signs “Man of Steel” posters in a VIP room before the start of the movie.

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